Although Tang Yang slept late, she woke up early. The next day, Tang Yang got up before 7 AM, then leisurely applied makeup, chose her clothes, and selected a handbag. Out of respect for her work, she meticulously styled her hair before changing her shoes, ready to leave.

She thought if Jiang Shiyan hadn’t woken up, she’d drive herself, treating his nagging from last night as a joke and mocking him for it.

However, as soon as Tang Yang opened the door, she saw a familiar figure leaning against the doorframe, holding steaming buns and soy milk.

“Morning,” Jiang Shiyan curved his lips in a smile.

The soup dumplings were from a famous old shop, where queues were notoriously long. This was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise for a breakfast delivery enthusiast like Tang.

She pointed at herself, inquiring with her eyes.

Jiang Shiyan nodded, smiling.

Tang Yang took the food and asked while walking, “Last time my mom went at 6:30 AM, the queue stretched across the street. How early did you get up?” Tang Yang remembered something, “Didn’t you used to sleep until 10 AM, then go to the office at 2 PM and leave at 5 PM?” He had once used this freedom to criticize her.

“It depends on the off-season and peak season,” Jiang Shiyan replied shamelessly.

Tang Yang asked again, “Have you eaten?”

“Of course.”

They went to the parking garage, where a Range Rover was parked in Jiang Shiyan’s spot.

He opened the passenger door for Tang Yang, gesturing gentlemanly. Tang Yang happily sat inside, holding her breakfast.

Just as Tang Yang played games after meals but consistently read finance books before bed, Jiang Shiyan, despite seeming unreliable, had his car radio preset to channels like finance, culture, news, and Wall Street.

Jiang Shiyan drove smoothly, and the roads at 8 AM were not noisy.

The car window was slightly open, letting in a gentle breeze that refreshed the mind.

Tang Yang ate her breakfast while listening to the radio, occasionally discussing interesting topics with Jiang Shiyan. Tang Yang had strong logical thinking, focusing on the feasibility and execution of events. Jiang Shiyan excelled in innovative thinking, leaning towards pioneering ideas and superstructure concepts.

They had discussions and debates. As Tang Yang finished her breakfast in a pleasant mood, Jiang Shiyan parked the car on a small road next to the Huishang Building.

It was now 8:30 AM, twenty minutes earlier than usual. Tang Yang wasn’t in a hurry to get out, and naturally, neither was Jiang Shiyan.

Tang Yang first put the soy milk bag into the paper bag that held the buns, then folded the paper bag from the middle until it was small.

“Thank you, Boss Jiang,” she said with curved eyebrows and eyes, reaching for the door handle. “Shall I go first?”

Jiang Shiyan looked at her, his lips moving slightly, then suddenly spoke: “Yang Yang…”

Those two words successfully froze Tang Yang into an oddly posed statue.

Many people’s names are like this – repeating one character sounds normal, like Tang Tang or Tang Tang. But repeating the other character can sound strange and unfamiliar, like Yang Yang.

Hearing it for the first time, Tang Yang found it both fascinating and bizarre.

She slowly lowered her hand and looked back at Jiang Shiyan with this expression.

A moment of discomfort flashed across Jiang Shiyan’s face. He then looked away and explained, “I was on the phone with Cheng Cheng last night. He likes to use reduplicated words lately, it’s very cute.” Jiang Shiyan imitated, “Read book book, sleep sleep, eat meal meal, want hug hug…”

Tang Yang imagined little Cheng Cheng’s sweet baby voice and felt her heart melting.

She helplessly said to little Jiang, “Then you could call me Tang Tang. Many people do, I’m used to it.”

Jiang Shiyan stubbornly replied, “I want to be different from others.”

“Where do you get all these twists and turns,” There was a trash can outside the car door. Tang Yang successfully tossed in her trash and laughed, “Others call you Yan Gou, I also call you Yan Gou. I didn’t ask to be different from others.”

“You can ask to be different from others,” Jiang Shiyan said seriously. “You can call me Jiang Jiang, Shi Shi, Yan Yan, or if you find those awkward, you can call me Shi Yan.”

Shi Yan.

Tang Yang softly repeated, feeling a burn in her chest.

“I don’t want to,” she said, her blush hidden by her makeup, extraordinarily righteous. “It’s, it’s awkward and affected,” Tang Yang disdained, “and not very intimate.”

“Then you can call me something that’s not awkward or affected.”

As soon as she showed weakness, Jiang Shiyan grew bolder.

He tilted his head to look at his little girl, wearing the pure smile of a big bad wolf trying to lure a little white rabbit. “If you want something intimate,” he coaxed, “how about calling me husband?”

Tang Yang refused to be outdone: “Then why don’t you call me wife—”

Jiang Shiyan blurted out: “Alright!”

Belatedly realizing what she had said, Tang Yang’s face turned bright red.

“Taking advantage of even your buddies, are you human?” Tang Yang chided, lightly poking his forehead with her index finger.

Her finger was soft, and that single touch was like casting a spell. Jiang Shiyan felt as if all his bones had turned to rope, tingling and numb.

“Yang Yang.” He called again, with less playfulness.

Tang Yang met his deep gaze and bit her lip, looking away: “What do you want to say…”

“Yang Yang.” Jiang Shiyan called a second time.

“Mm.” Tang Yang responded softly.

Jiang Shiyan fell silent again.

After another moment.

“Yang Yang.” Jiang Shiyan gazed at her, gently calling for the third time.

Earlier, Jiang Shiyan had wanted to speak, but Tang Yang interrupted him.

This time, Tang Yang gave him a chance, softly asking: “What do you want to say…”

Taking advantage of his height, Jiang Shiyan could see her flushed neck and the tender look in her eyes. The words reached the tip of his tongue, turning over and over. His Adam’s apple bobbed, and finally, he laughed, “Nothing, just calling your name.”

Tang Yang reached out to pinch Jiang Shiyan’s face.

Jiang Shiyan extended his hand, wanting to hold hers.

“Be careful,” Tang Yang said, withdrawing her hand and getting out of the car.

Jiang Shiyan grasped at empty air, slowly covering his face with both hands.

He slumped in the driver’s seat, his chest heaving like someone just pulled from drowning.

Jiang Shiyan knew, he knew, he knew his Yang Yang liked him too.

But did Yang Yang know she liked him? Was Yang Yang’s liking for him just a bit more than friendship, or was it truly romantic love? If he couldn’t hold back and confess, would she reject him with a blushing face but a clear mind, or would she half-heartedly agree…

He, Jiang Shiyan, might have many girlfriends in his life and might marry, divorce, and remarry many times.

But Tang Yang only had one.

Perhaps influenced by his family background, Jiang Shiyan had always been decisive and adventurous in his first twenty-nine years.

Yet with a single “Yang Yang,” he called out but couldn’t speak further, being uncharacteristically careful.

Tang Yang could guess what Jiang Shiyan wanted to say.

If Yan Gou said it, how should she respond?

Should we try? Let’s try. Should we try…

Tang Yang’s mind buzzed into a blank slate as she entered the elevator. More people gradually entered.

The chatter of others became white noise. Tang Yang stood in the corner, only able to hear her heartbeat, thump-thump.

“Ding dong.” The elevator reached her floor.

Tang Yang took a deep breath and entered with a smile.

“Morning, Manager Tang.” “Morning.”

“Good morning, Director Tang.” “Good morning, Auntie Zhang.”

“Morning, Sister Yang.” “Morning, Lin Lang.”

“…”

Tang Yang walked in her high heels, her back straight as a ramrod.

She nodded to her colleagues one by one, her 155cm height exuding the presence of 175cm, and entered her office.

After the door closed, there was a buzz of discussion outside.

“Go ask Tang for the blush color number.”
“You go.”
“No, you go.”

“Was the man in the driver’s seat just now Jiang Da Lao?”
“Doesn’t Jiang Da Lao drive an R8?”
“Wow, do you think he only has one car at home?”
“……”

Tang Yang put down her bag and left the office to wash her cup. The colleagues who had previously huddled together like a flower suddenly dispersed, each returning to their tasks.

In the morning, the secretary from President Zhou Zixing’s office on the top floor came down to urge progress on the Jiujiang Group loan project. Tang Yang pulled out Jiujiang Group’s documents and read them slowly, noticing phrases like “excellent employee benefits” and “welfare guarantees” appeared with high frequency.

Tang Yang understood the other party’s intention to add a personal touch, but she thought of the cookies Zhou Mo wanted to give her, which she had refused. Without any psychological burden, she pretended to be blind to the implications.

Just before noon, Fan Linlang knocked and entered to confirm Tang Yang’s schedule with her.

By the end of March, most targets had been met. Tang Yang only had one meeting left with Jiujiang’s financial executives.

“The person in charge from Jiujiang is going on a business trip tonight and hopes to hold the meeting at 3 PM today in the conference room of Jiujiang Tower,” Fan Linlang asked, “Is that alright with you?”

“That’s fine,” Tang Yang said, thinking of Zhang Zhilan, Min Mu, and that piece of bacon. She wasn’t being overly kind; she was simply softened by their hospitality. She added, “I have something to do at lunch, so you can meet me directly at Jiujiang in the afternoon.”

Fan Linlang agreed.

Tang Yang hadn’t driven today. During lunch, she took a taxi directly to the South Jin Street branch.

Tang Yang’s rank was equivalent to that of a branch manager, but she was a management trainee, just turning 29 this year, with limitless potential. Moreover, her handling of Zhang Zhilan’s case brought commendation to the entire South Jin Street branch from the head office. The South Jin Street branch regarded Tang Yang as a valuable asset. The newly appointed lobby manager didn’t recognize Tang Yang and was about to tell her that the second floor was an office area not open to the public when the branch manager and his entourage appeared at the staircase, warmly welcoming her upstairs.

Tang Yang had brought portioned fruit boxes for them as snacks. Being gracious, she smiled and gave one box to the lobby manager, who was flattered by the gesture.

Upstairs, both parties chatted about various topics for quite a while.

The branch manager tentatively probed about the head office’s policy directions, and Tang Yang responded vaguely. The branch manager then produced the branch’s loan records, hoping Tang Yang would provide some guidance. After declining twice, Tang Yang finally agreed to look them over.

Since Gan Yiming had taken sick leave and Tang Yang became the acting director, the efficiency of the entire Credit Review Department had noticeably improved.

The branch manager had previously thought Tang Yang’s handling of Zhang Zhilan’s case was a fluke, and that the Credit Review Department’s efficiency was high because everyone had just returned from the New Year break. But now, hearing this petite young lady concisely point out the shortcomings and strengths, the branch manager couldn’t help but marvel at the younger generation’s capabilities, thinking that this doctoral graduate from a prestigious university did have some skills.

Tang Yang finished reviewing the approved files and began looking at the rejected ones.

Turning to one page, she asked casually, “Why isn’t there any specific information for Chen Zhanggang’s application?”

“Him?” the branch manager explained, “He lives on the floor below Zhang Zhilan. He’s a disabled worker with a son. They used to have an apartment in Happiness Garden. The couple previously made a living selling vegetables at the market, while their son drove a truck. Later, their son had a car accident, so they sold their house to save him. But what’s the use of saving someone who’s now quadriplegic? The monthly medical expenses are like running water. Chen Zhanggang still sells vegetables during the day, his wife works as a cleaner, and at night he washes dishes at a beer garden. His wife wants to take out a loan to buy a motorcycle and convert it into a tricycle to transport passengers at the train station.”

The manager continued, “Zhang Zhilan’s issue was her repayment ability and insufficient collateral. Chen Zhanggang has no collateral at all, and his son hasn’t finished repaying the loan for the truck he bought from Puxi. The son’s truck was insured, and the insurance company provided some kind of compensation contract, but you know, Director Tang, with the new regulations that came out last September, even insurance is hard to process now, so it’s been dragging on without any payout.”

Tang Yang lightly tapped the table. “In special circumstances, a contract with valuation can also serve as collateral.”

The branch manager wasn’t sure if Tang Yang was just making a casual remark or if she had something specific in mind.

Tang Yang didn’t hide her intentions. “If you have time, we could go take a look.”

The branch manager instructed his assistant to call the concerned party and make arrangements.

As Tang Yang stood up, her gaze swept across the Huishang Bank slogan on the manager’s desk, and she read it out loud with perfect pronunciation.

“YOU DO LIFE, WE DO BANKING,” Tang Yang smiled, “Some words are vague when spoken vaguely, yet concrete when spoken concretely.”

The young woman’s casual remark unexpectedly stirred a sense of industry mission in the usually complacent branch manager.

Realizing that Tang Yang had stumbled upon this film by chance and was still willing to lower herself to visit, he silently added a few more points of goodwill towards her.

Just after 1 PM, during the lunch break, everything was quiet.

Tang Yang, surrounded by a group of people, walked from the South Jin Street branch towards Happiness Garden. The branch manager described the specific situation to Tang Yang, who listened and occasionally nodded in response.

Meanwhile, in Happiness Garden, Jiang Shiyan and a senior executive from Yixiu were visiting Zhang Zhilan’s home, with a professional team filming for a follow-up to “The Lost Pearl.”

The branch manager handed Tang Yang a record of Chen Zhanggang’s visits. As she flipped through it, the group arrived at the entrance of Happiness Garden.

Jiang Shiyan gave Zhang Zhilan a red envelope with the Yixiu logo on it. Zhang Zhilan refused to accept it, and the two were at an impasse. As the camera was rolling, Jiang Shiyan suddenly smiled and mouthed a name, after which Zhang Zhilan accepted the envelope and saw Jiang Shiyan’s group off downstairs.

Just as Jiang Shiyan’s group exited the building, Tang Yang’s group turned the corner and arrived at the entrance.

The two large groups met face to face, and his Yangyang immediately spotted him.

Jiang Shiyan walked at the front, hands in his pockets, smiling lazily yet tenderly at Tang Yang.

With so many people watching, this man was…

Tang Yang’s ears turned red, but she quickly regained her composure. She spoke in a forcibly calm tone to suppress her heartbeat, “You’re here?”

Jiang Shiyan tried to suppress the smile on his lips, but couldn’t manage it.

Each word he spoke had a slight upward lilt: “Doing a follow-up for ‘The Lost Pearl.’ What about you?”

Tang Yang: “Going to review a loan application.”

Zhang Zhilan’s eyes flashed with surprise, which she quickly suppressed.

Jiang Shiyan didn’t move, and neither did Tang Yang.

Seeing that the two bosses weren’t moving, naturally, no one else dared to move either.

A few seconds later.

“I’ll go up first then,” Tang Yang pointed upstairs and gave a slight nod to Jiang Shiyan, “See you later, Mr. Jiang.”

“See you later, Director Tang.” Jiang Shiyan nodded.

Tang Yang lowered her head slightly, intending to pass by Jiang Shiyan, but he inconspicuously leaned a bit towards her, causing their shoulders to accidentally bump.

Tang Yang was so embarrassed that even her neck turned red, while Jiang Shiyan smiled silently and triumphantly.

Jiang Shiyan watched Tang Yang go upstairs until her figure disappeared. Only then did he clear his throat with a fist to his mouth, regaining his composure, “Let’s go.”

The Yixiu employees were curious, their eyes sparkling with interest.

Jiang Shiyan’s assistant, being somewhat in the know, turned back to control the situation with his eyes. Turning his head back, he inwardly grumbled that even in public, his boss could be so bold with Director Tang; who knows what mischief he might be up to in private. He imagined a thousand scenes of the domineering CEO forcing himself upon the innocent Director Tang, various indescribable scenarios. While silently cursing his boss as a beast, he secretly expressed sympathy for Director Tang.

Tang Yang greeted Zhang Zhilan, chatting about how well-behaved the two children were, washing dishes at home.

As they talked, they arrived at Chen Zhanggang’s home.

The fifth floor was quite high. Chen Zhanggang had hurried back from the vegetable market, and his son was taking an afternoon nap in the innermost bedroom.

Tang Yang advised the branch staff to keep their voices down.

Just as everyone sat down, before the loan officer from the branch could begin the routine interview, Tang Yang noticed a faint smell of smoke lingering in the living room.

Tang Yang frowned slightly, and both the branch manager and Chen Zhanggang immediately put out their cigarettes.

Meanwhile, just as Jiang Shiyan’s group reached the community entrance, they heard someone shouting, “Building 1 is on fire!”

The security guards at the main gate and the old men and women who had gathered to watch the commotion were yelling “Call the fire department! Call the fire department!” as they hurried inside.

Jiang Shiyan frowned and grabbed one of the security guards: “Where is Building 1?”

The guard, eager to help with the rescue, pointed impatiently: “Can’t you see with your own eyes—”

The guard’s hand fell on Zhang Zhilan’s building, the word “idiot” not yet out of his mouth. Jiang Shiyan’s assistant hadn’t even reacted yet.

Jiang Shiyan’s eyes turned ice-cold as he pushed the guard aside and turned back, rushing towards the source of the fire.